Water Quality in Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids's water has very hard water (284 PPM) and PFAS above EPA limits (5 ppt). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

Cedar Rapids Utilities · Source: Cedar River · Serves 137,710 residents

284
Hardness (PPM)
346
TDS (PPM)
0.7
Chlorine (mg/L)
5
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
284 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 284 PPM TDS 346 PPM PFAS 5 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 0.7 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Cedar Rapids Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Extremely hard water

Cedar Rapids has extremely hard water at 284 PPM from the Great Plains limestone and glacial geology. Water softeners are considered standard household equipment in this region — most residents view them as a necessity, not a luxury.

What Cedar Rapids's Water Means for Your Home

Cedar Rapids residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 284 PPM (16.6 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 284 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Cedar Rapids homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in Cedar Rapids. At 5 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)284 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids346 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)5 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.7 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Cedar Rapids Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 284 PPM (16.6 GPG), Cedar Rapids's water is extremely hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Cedar Rapids household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
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🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 5 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About Cedar Rapids's Water Supply

Water Utility: Cedar Rapids Utilities

Water Source: Cedar River

Population Served: 137,710

Hardness: 284 PPM (16.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Cedar Rapids Utilities. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Cedar Rapids to Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines

200 PPM · Very Hard

Davenport

236 PPM · Very Hard

Iowa City

190 PPM · Very Hard

Waterloo

254 PPM · Extremely Hard

Council Bluffs

296 PPM · Extremely Hard

Ames

183 PPM · Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Rapids Water

Is Cedar Rapids tap water safe to drink?
Cedar Rapids's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Cedar Rapids?
Yes. At 284 PPM (16.6 GPG), Cedar Rapids's water is extremely hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Cedar Rapids home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Cedar Rapids?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Cedar Rapids's water come from?
Cedar Rapids's drinking water is sourced from Cedar River and treated by Cedar Rapids Utilities. Cedar Rapids has extremely hard water at 284 PPM from the Great Plains limestone and glacial geology. Water softeners are considered standard household equipment in this region — most residents view them as a necessity, not a luxury.
What is the hardness of Cedar Rapids water in grains per gallon?
Cedar Rapids's water hardness is 16.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 284 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as extremely hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Cedar Rapids water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 16.6 GPG, Cedar Rapids's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Cedar Rapids water safe for babies and infants?
Cedar Rapids's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Cedar Rapids household per year?
At 284 PPM, hard water costs the average Cedar Rapids household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Cedar Rapids households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Cedar Rapids Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.